Local Eats launches in South Shields

Local Eats is set to open in South Shields, just outside of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Matt Fenton, who previously lived nearby in East Boldon, will be in charge of the franchise business. He’ll connect local restaurants to customers, taking on takeaway giants such as Just Eat and Deliveroo to provide a high-quality delivery service.

Around 15 restaurants have already joined the delivery franchise unit, which has been named, South Shields Eats. They’re ready to start reaching customers through the business’s new app from the 22nd April.

Matt will take 7.5 percent commission from the orders he processes, while larger delivery companies normally charge restaurants double that. What’s more, he’s promised to reimburse his clients’ initial installation fee for its ordering equipment.

The new franchise location will join a growing network of delivery businesses operating under the Local Eats brand. There are already branches in North Shields, Washington and Blyth, and a new Sunderland Eats is set to launch soon.

Matt explained how his business will benefit the local economy:

“As part of the franchise agreement, we have to spend money in the local area. So, I’m hoping to be able to put some of the money back into football teams in South Tyneside, among other projects.”

Plus, Matt will support business owners from more niche areas; he’s already signed up a Michelin-trained chef who works from a kitchen at his mother’s house, for example. Matt added,

"There’s another guy who’s starting up a BBQ company. He’s got a double garage where he prepares a lot of the food and then he cooks it in his back garden. His daughter delivers it. So that’s another benefit of the service. There are places on there that are very niche and that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”